How to select pond plants stock with fish

Plants are beautiful wherever they are grown, whether for their blooms or for ornamental pleasure. Plants for use in a water pond or garden are no exception.The difference is when used in water they help reduce the algae growth.

Choosing water-plants

Always buy water-plants for your pond or water garden that look healthy and vibrant plants that are growing in clean algae free ponds.It is vital not to introduce unwanted organisms into your pond.Check underneath the leaves for any signs of algae, you do not want to add these to your pond.

Some plants will tend to dry out more than others; therefore these should be kept moist and carried in plastic bags to reduce this risk.

Plant containers

A wide flat based pot will be more stable to use in water.Many people use baskets which allow the water to pass through the pot. Some people use soil in there pots. I prefer to use washed rocks or gravel sand, which also act as filters in the water.

Place the plant directly into the gravel sand or place a rock over the roots of the plant to hold the plant and pot down under the water.You do not want the plants to rise to the top.Take care to use plants like lilies so there leaves lay on top of the water. Do not plant these too deep.

As soon as the pond is full of water start putting in the plants.The best time for planting is when plants grow, normally in spring. Some plants are well known as oxygenators, because they increase the amount of oxygen in the water.The use of a plants and the turbulence made from a fountain will improve the oxygen level.

Before adding the fish it is a good idea to place a few overlapping rocks in the bottom of your pond so the fish can swim in and around under them, it will also give them a little protection from the sun and other predators.

A word of caution: Some birds in your area may think of your pond as a great place to go fishing for a meal.

Stocking pond with Fish

Goldfish or Koi are the easiest types of fish for outside or garden ponds.Do not release fish into ponds straight from the bag as they do not like sudden changes in water temperatures. It is best to float them in the unopened bag on top of the water, until the water in the bag is roughly the same temperature as in the pond.Then slowly let some water into the bag and let the fish out into the pond.

Never over feed your fish, too much food could contaminate the water.Once the pond settles and plants begin to grow the fish will often eat natural food like insect larvae and feed off the plant roots.Then they will no longer need to be fed artificially.

Tadpoles and frogs will often find their way into your pond.This is good as they will keep the insect numbers down.

There are many varieties of goldfish that would look beautiful in the pond. Some have long veil tails that look amazing as they move in the flowing water. Some varieties may need the water heated during winter months.

Types of water-plants

Water lilies

Milfoil

Nardoo- Australian native

Water poppy

Deep water-plants

Vallis

Water hawthorn

Iris can be planted in soil or water

Hardy Water Lillies

Bog Plants

Blue Sedge

Japanese iris

Plant filters are a more natural way of filtering your pond. This is a great idea for a larger pond and the health of your fish.

In conclusion

Whichever type or style of pond, or the plants you choose I am sure it will make a beautiful addition to your garden. It will also be a great place to sit near and relax watching the fish swim lazily back and forth in your wonderfully created pond.